Being diagnosed with ADHD isn’t the greatest thing in the world, but it’s not the end of the world either. Instead, it should be viewed as a learning opportunity wherein you can discover important facts about your past, present, and future.
Regardless of your lifestyle or plans, a specific mental health condition doesn’t have to be the end of who you were before. In the same way that a long, happy marriage teaches us much about who we really are inside, an unexpected ADHD diagnosis does as well. So, let the learning begin.
What is ADHD?
ADHD stands for “attention deficit hyperactive disorder.” It’s one of the three primary types and it can reveal a lot about your conscious and subconscious mind if you look closely enough. In general, psychologists separate the diagnosis into these categories:
• Hyperactive (Impulsive)
• Inattention
• Combination
The ADHD subtypes can tell a lot about the causes and the expected symptoms, making it much easier to recognize and treat the condition before it becomes too disruptive. However, it’s important to work with a clinical psychologist to both diagnose and treat the many symptoms safely.
The most common ADHD symptoms
The symptoms you’ll experience with an ADHD diagnosis depend heavily on the subtype you were diagnosed with. That’s another reason why it’s so crucial to consult a professional. Unless it’s clear what to expect, you may seek alternative treatment options that don’t really work (or that make the problem worse). Here’s what you need to know about the signs and symptoms of each type:
Inattention Type
This ADHD subtype is commonly associated with the following thoughts, habits, and/or behaviors:
#1. Poor attention to detail
You have trouble noticing the smaller elements of people, places, or things unless you slow down to focus.
#2. Problems attaining or maintaining focus
You become generally forgetful of certain facts, especially things like names, dates, instructions, and conversations.
#3. Inability to get or remain organized
You’re constantly struggling to keep your important items in check or in working order despite many honest efforts.
#4. Frequent daydreaming
You “space out” easily, even when people are talking directly to you about something important, and especially when you’re bored.
#5. Constant procrastination or avoidance
You’ll put off taking care of crucial tasks until the very last minute, or just not do them at all because you don’t know where to start.
Inattentive ADHD may also involve:
• Not responding to calls or text messages
• Leaving tasks unfinished
• Forgetting to pay bills
• Neglecting personal hygiene
Impulsive Type
This ADHD subtype is commonly associated with the following thoughts, habits, and/or behaviors:
#1. Generalized impatience
You get irritated quickly, especially when things don’t go as planned, and have little energy left for waiting on answers.
#2. Inability to stay on task
Your mind will wonder off to different thoughts or create alternative scenarios instead of focusing on the mission at hand.
#3. Jitteriness or fidgeting
You feel the need to constantly expel extra energy by moving around, usually through tapping your foot or squirming.
#4. Incessant talking
You’ll have trouble keeping your mouth shut even when it’s important, often interrupting other people as they talk.
#5. Struggling with consequences
Your impulsiveness often makes it difficult to think about the consequences of your words and/or actions before it’s too late.
Impulsive ADHD may also involve:
• Inability to complete quiet tasks
• Trouble changing topics in conversation
• Inappropriate comments or jokes
So, have you learned anything new about yourself yet? Which ADHD subtype most accurately describes your current state of mind? Do you have trouble controlling impulses or is your main concern your attention span, or lack thereof? Perhaps if you knew the causes you could determine the best treatment plans.
How ADHD develops
There are many theories about what causes ADHD, so there are naturally just as many theories about how to live with, treat, and/or cure it. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the disorder can develop for many different reasons, including these:
• Genetics
• Diet and nutrition
• Low birth weight or premature delivery
• Exposure to environmental pollutants
• Drug or alcohol use in pregnancy
• Brain injuries or illnesses
• Certain medications
• Overexposure to stimuli
In many cases, clinical research has shown a strong connection between ADHD development and lifestyle, upbringing, and socioeconomic factors. However, those things have not yet been shown to directly cause attention deficit hyperactive disorder or either one of its subtypes. On the other hand, those factors can indeed worsen the situation.
Seek professional help if you or someone you love is struggling with the symptoms of ADHD. There are several different therapies and safe medications that can help you take back control of your life.
The takeaway
Attention deficit hyperactive disorder can teach you a lot about yourself and reveal many things about how your lifestyle affects or is affected by the condition.
Photocredit : iStockphoto.com
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